Bucket‑truck hydraulic failure prompts calls for training and equipment safeguards

Staff reported that a bucket truck used to hang Legion banners experienced an emergency hydraulic pump failure after the emergency switch was engaged, which caused burning and melting of electrical connections. The truck was repaired and returned to service, but staff urged new safety measures.

Safety concerns and action: The presenter described missing hard hats and harnesses during some DPW operations and said the city should require PPE and training. Commissioners discussed requiring DPW personnel sign attestations of training, scheduling a joint training through the municipal utility association (cost to DPW), and installing a dead‑man or fail‑safe switch on bucket trucks; staff said installation of a dead‑man switch could be scheduled in about a week.

Operational context: The presenter said the city may offer DPW the utility’s PPE for tasks performed on their equipment and proposed a four‑hour training course on bucket‑truck operations incorporating a ground‑person module to ensure safe two‑person operations when utility staff are short handed.

Next steps: Staff will reach out to the municipal association to obtain a training cost estimate and will coordinate with DPW on scheduling and whether DPW staff will be required to sign training acknowledgments. Commissioners emphasized that noncompliance could create OSHA and insurance exposure for the city.

Quote: "I'm at the point where I want control of my equipment," the presenter said, urging more stringent oversight of boom and harness practices.